Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis with the Schroth Method

NCT06875661 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 49-02-04/2023-1
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 34
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study investigates the effectiveness of the Schroth method, a conservative physiotherapeutic approach, in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). AIS is a three-dimensional spinal deformity of unknown etiology that develops during growth, affecting 2-3% of the general population. While most cases are mild, some require medical intervention, including bracing or surgery. Conservative treatments, such as specific exercise programs, aim to slow progression, improve postural alignment, and enhance respiratory function. Among these, the Schroth method is widely recognized for its structured approach, emphasizing active three-dimensional posture correction, rotational breathing, and sensorimotor training. This study was designed as a randomized, single-blind, parallel-group trial conducted at Scolio Centar in Novi Sad between March and August 2023. Ethical approval was obtained from the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, and informed consent was secured from participants' parents. Inclusion criteria comprised a confirmed AIS diagnosis, an age range of 10-18 years, a Cobb angle greater than 10°, and no prior surgical or alternative treatment. Exclusion criteria included contraindications for exercise, psychological disorders, neuromuscular diseases, or previous spinal surgeries. The study involved 34 participants who were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (EG), which underwent supervised Schroth therapy three times a week for eight weeks, and a control group (CG), which performed the same exercises independently at home. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included radiographic measurement of Cobb angle, ATR via scoliometer, respiratory function tests (VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio) using spirometry, and CE via manual measurement. Stratified randomization was used to balance the groups based on Cobb angle severity. The Schroth exercise protocol included posture correction exercises, spinal stabilization drills, and targeted breathing techniques, supervised by a certified physiotherapist for the EG. The CG received initial instruction but performed the exercises independently at home.

Conditions

Idiopathic Scoliosis

Keywords

Schroth method; Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; Cobb angle; Spine health

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (6)

• The Cobb angle

  The Coob angle expressed in degrees, was obtained using a standard anterior-posterior standing radiograph of the complete spine .

  8 weeks

• Angle of trunk rotation

  The angle of trunk rotation (ATR) was measured with a Bunnell scoliometer, in a forward bending standing position. The scoliometer was placed on the patient's back cen-trally over the spine. ATR is expressed in degrees.

  8 weeks

• Vital Capacity (VC)

  Vital Capacity (VC) as pulmonary function measured using a Spirolab Portable spirometer (MIR, Italy). The measurement was performed in an upright position. The procedure for each out-come was repeated three times and the average was taken as the reference value. Values are expressed in liters.

  8 weeks

• Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

  Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) as pulmonary function measured using a Spirolab Portable spirometer (MIR, Italy) and present maximum amount of air a person can forcibly exhale after taking a deep breath The measurement was performed in an upright position. The procedure for each out-come was repeated three times and the average was taken as the reference value. Values in liters.

  8 weeks

• Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1)

  Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1) is the amount of air a person can forcibly exhale in the first second of a forced breath after taking a deep inhalation. Measuring using a Spirolab Portable spirometer (MIR, Italy). The measurement was performed in an upright position. The procedure for each out-come was repeated three times and the average was taken as the reference value. Values are expressed in liters.

  8 weeks

• Chest expansion

  Chest expansion was measured manually using a tape marked in millimeters. Chest expansion was measured at the junction between the xiphoid process and the body of the sternum and expressed in centimeters.

  8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Date of birth

  8 weeks

• Height

  8 weeks

• Weight

  8 weeks

• Gender

  8 weeks

• Body Mass Index (BMI)

  8 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Schroth

EXPERIMENTAL

Schroth experimental group

Other: Schroth

Control

NO INTERVENTION

Group of participants without Schroth method intervention

Interventions

Schroth OTHER

Patients in the experimental group exercised for 90 minutes a day, three days a week. Schroth exercises were performed in an asymmetrical position to improve the symmetry of the trunk. These exercises include stretching, flexion, spinal lengthening, derotation, strengthening, and rotational breathing exercises. The respondents combined these exercises with everyday life activities. In the control group, subjects were taught Schroth exercises under the supervision of an authorized physiotherapist, and they were asked to practice the exercises as regularly as possible at home.

Schroth

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 10 Years - 18 Years
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis; Age range of 10-18 years (adolescent); Cobb angle greater than 10; No other types of exercise, medical treatment.

You may not qualify if:

• The existence of some contraindications for exercise, psychological problems, neuro-logical-muscular diseases; Previous spine surgery.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Novi Sad: lead

Study Sites (1)

University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education

Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia

Location

Study Officials

• Dragan Marinkovic, Msc

  University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lead Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 7, 2025
• First Posted: March 13, 2025
• Study Start: March 1, 2023
• Primary Completion: May 1, 2023
• Study Completion: May 10, 2023
• Last Updated: March 19, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL, SAP, ICF, CSR, ANALYTIC CODE
• Time Frame: Data requests can be submitted starting 9 months after article publication and the data will be made accessible for up to 24 months. Extensions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Access Criteria: Data obtained through this study may be provided to qualified researchers with academic interest in scoliosis and spine disorders.

Locations

SE (1)